The Alternative Flight Plan

About The Alternative Flight Plan

Hosted by Dr. Kristin Barnes—naval aviator, endurance athlete, naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and psychedelic-assisted therapy coach—The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast explores integrative and alternative healing through lived experience and expert insight. Each episode offers grounded conversations on trauma recovery, resilience, and mind–body health for those seeking a new path toward wellness. Learn more or book an appointment: https://meridianpassagewellness.com

Publisher

Kristin Barnes

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Mar 2025

Latest episode

17 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Jun 2026

   The Diabetes Warning Signs We Ignore

   One of the challenges in healthcare is that we celebrate intervention while overlooking prevention. Dr. Kristin Barnes and Dr. Jason FauntLeRoy discuss what happens before a diagnosis becomes a crisis. Elevated A1C levels, chronic stress, inflammation, family patterns, and the reality that "well controlled" doesn't always mean symptom free. What stood out most was the reminder that diabetes management isn't just about numbers. It's about context. Two people can have the same lab result and require very different conversations. As clinicians, we often underestimate the impact of education, collaboration, and helping patients understand the why behind their care. What changes if we begin viewing prevention as active healthcare rather than an afterthought? Join the conversation. How are you helping people move upstream in healthcare?

2. 

   4 May 2026

   The Cannabis Myth That’s Holding Patients Back

   Cannabis isn’t just interacting with symptoms. It’s interacting with a system most people have never been taught exists. The endocannabinoid system regulates balance across nearly every major function in the body. Stress response. Sleep. Pain. Mood. When that system is out of balance, the body works harder to compensate. When it’s supported, regulation becomes more accessible. Chris Adkins brings a structured lens to a space often dominated by extremes. Not hype. Not dismissal. Clarity. Cannabis is chemically complex, with hundreds of compounds that can influence how it works in the body. But understanding it doesn’t require memorizing everything. It requires knowing how to think about it: Compounds over categories Dose over assumptions Education over trial and error There’s also a broader tension. A widely used therapeutic tool. A healthcare system still catching up. For patients navigating chronic conditions, that gap becomes personal. This conversation offers a more grounded way forward. Listen on Spotify for every new episode exploring integrative and alternative healing. → https://open.spotify.com/show/00GFdWpvo9Jv6m0wON85OZ?si=4j4kbTzxS2289bQvpvVThQ

3. 

   14 Apr 2026

   Autoimmune Unseen: Diagnosis, Triggers, and Healing w/ Dr. Jenny Bennett

   Autoimmune conditions often exist in a space where symptoms are real, but validation is not always immediate. In this episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes is joined by Dr. Jenny Bennett to explore how autoimmune disease presents beyond textbook definitions. The conversation moves from foundational understanding—how the immune system can begin reacting against the body—to the more nuanced reality that many cases do not show up clearly in standard lab work. A key focus is the role of environmental triggers. Infections, gut imbalance, hormonal shifts, and stress responses all contribute to how autoimmune conditions develop and fluctuate. Rather than a single cause, these conditions often reflect a combination of factors that evolve over time. The episode also addresses the experience many patients face when navigating care. When conventional testing does not provide answers, individuals can feel dismissed or uncertain about their next steps. Dr. Bennett emphasizes the importance of clinical observation, patient history, and listening as essential components of diagnosis and care. The conversation explores how integrative approaches can support patients more effectively—combining appropriate use of medication with longer-term strategies that address underlying contributors to inflammation. The discussion closes with a grounded perspective: autoimmune conditions are often manageable, with periods of change and stability. Building awareness of triggers and working with supportive providers can help individuals navigate these patterns with greater clarity and agency. Follow the show to save conversations that support your wellness journey. → https://open.spotify.com/show/00GFdWpvo9Jv6m0wON85OZ?si=4j4kbTzxS2289bQvpvVThQ (https://open.spotify.com/show/00GFdWpvo9Jv6m0wON85OZ?si=4j4kbTzxS2289bQvpvVThQ)

4. 

   24 Mar 2026

   What Psychedelics Reveal That Healing Alone Doesn’t

   Healing is often framed as fixing what’s wrong. But some experiences shift how we understand everything. This conversation with Andrew Weisse explores a broader dimension of psychedelics—one that moves beyond symptom relief into perception, meaning, and the structure of experience itself. Several themes emerge: * Cultural conditioning shapes what we accept—and what we question * Intention distinguishes meaningful experiences from habitual use * Certain modalities are approached with reverence, not impulse * Perspective shifts can alter how individuals relate to connection, identity, and reality A deeper thread runs through it: Not all transformation comes from intervention. Some of it comes from seeing clearly. And that clarity can change the trajectory of how someone engages with their health, their relationships, and their life. Listen on Spotify for every new episode exploring integrative and alternative healing: https://open.spotify.com/show/00GFdWpvo9Jv6m0wON85OZ?si=4j4kbTzxS2289bQvpvVThQ

5. 

   2 Mar 2026

   Return of the Exiled Child: The Way Back to Wholeness w/ Keith W. Fiveson

   Healing becomes possible when the nervous system stops bracing for impact. Keith W. Fiveson shares a grounded approach that blends mindfulness, breathwork, narrative repair, and parts-based understanding of protectors and coping strategies—without overselling outcomes. Themes include: Breath as spiritus: a practical bridge between physiology and meaning Why “autopilot” keeps people stuck, and how small shifts create spaciousness Food, shame, and the “hungry ghost” pattern many carry quietly Kindness with boundaries: compassion that tells the truth and changes behavior Follow the show to save conversations that support your wellness journey → https://open.spotify.com/show/00GFdWpvo9Jv6m0wON85OZ?si=4j4kbTzxS2289bQvpvVThQ

6. 

   16 Feb 2026

   When Trauma Becomes a Turning Point with Jim Pehkonen

   You don’t need a more disciplined mindset. You need a safer internal operating system.A freak accident put Jim Pehkonen in a moment where he was sure he was dying. What surprised him wasn’t fear. It was peace. And when he came back, the work he’d been doing for decades around trauma, family systems, and resilience started to shift direction.This episode follows that shift and lands on a theme that’s hard to ignore: young men are often expected to carry everything alone, then criticized for where they go to find belonging.A few grounded waypoints from this conversation:Trauma isn’t a contest. Different stories can leave the same nervous system imprint.Healing moves with understanding, not self-punishment or “powering through.”Masking who you are taxes the nervous system more than most people realize.Community isn’t a buzzword. It’s a condition for repair.If you’re navigating trauma recovery, chronic stress, or the feeling that the old way of coping isn’t working anymore, this one offers a steady framework and a human reminder: healing is possible.Watch full episodes on YouTube. → https://www.youtube.com/@alternativeflightplan

7. 

   13 Feb 2026

   Holistic Healing for Veterans with Gary Hess of VAHA

   Since 2001, far more veterans have been lost at home than on the battlefield.It’s time we start talking about what healing really means.On this week's Alternative Flight Plan, Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with former Marine Gary P. Hess, who found his way out of deep trauma through intentional plant medicine, breathwork, and community support.Today, Gary leads Warrior Tribe Assembly and VAHA, helping veterans and first responders reconnect to themselves and rediscover purpose through holistic and peer-led care.This episode is about breaking stigma, rebuilding trust, and finding real ways forward — beyond pills and protocols.Learn more or get involved:👉 https://warriortribeassembly.com/👉 https://meridianpassagewellness.com/Like. Share. Keep the conversation going — healing starts with awareness.#TheAlternativeFlightPlan #DrKristinBarnes #VeteranMentalHealth #PlantMedicine #HolisticHealing #Veterans #FirstResponders #TraumaRecovery #PeerSupport #CommunityHealing #NaturopathicMedicine #HealingJourney

8. 

   22 Dec 2025

   The Art of Connection Through Transformation

   Trauma doesn’t just disrupt the body—it can disrupt meaning. Signals arrive without context. Sensations don’t add up. What once felt intuitive becomes confusing, even alien. In this episode, Christine Ruch offers a grounded framework for understanding why this happens and where healing often needs to begin: the nervous system. When the nervous system is locked into protection, the body can speak loudly without being understandable. Restoration isn’t about forcing regulation or chasing outcomes—it’s about rebuilding capacity, safety, and trust over time. The conversation explores the difference between change and transformation. Change tends to be linear and goal-driven. Transformation unfolds in cycles, advancing and retreating, resisting timelines. Many people seeking healing have already tried fixing symptoms while keeping the rest of life the same. Christine challenges that model, pointing to how daily patterns, identity stories, and unresolved stress can quietly keep the nervous system in a state of dysregulation. A central reframe runs through the episode: what if the body isn’t betraying you—what if it’s communicating? When safety increases, interpretation becomes possible. And when interpretation becomes possible, agency can return. Visit Meridian Passage Wellness to begin your Healing Journey: https://www.meridianpassagewellness.com (https://www.meridianpassagewellness.com)

9. 

   3 Nov 2025

   From Pain to Peace Through Counterstrain

   In this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Holly Christy—naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and founder of The Bridge Back Project—for a fascinating look into the world of fascial counterstrain, an emerging hands-on therapy changing how we understand chronic pain, trauma, and healing. Dr. Christy shares insights from her recently published study in the Military Medicine journal, which examined the impact of counterstrain therapy on veterans and first responders living with chronic pain and PTSD. Together, she and Dr. Barnes explore how this precise, physiology-based approach can help reset the body’s nervous system—offering relief where traditional medicine often falls short. From life-altering patient stories to groundbreaking clinical results, this conversation sheds light on the future of integrative care. Dr. Christy also discusses her vision for expanding access through The Bridge Back Project, which funds treatments and research for trauma recovery and supports practitioners dedicated to this work. If you’ve ever wondered how the body holds—and can release—pain and trauma, this episode is a must-listen. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/dgVEeVONee0 #AlternativeFlightPlan #KristinBarnes #DrHollyChristy #BridgeBackProject #CounterstrainTherapy #PTSDRecovery #ChronicPainRelief #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealing #VeteranWellness #FirstResponderSupport #MindBodyMedicine #TraumaHealing #IntegrativeHealth 00:00 Introduction to Alternative Healing Paths 01:20 Understanding Fascial Counter Strain 05:59 The Specificity of Counter Strain 08:51 Chronic Pain and Mental Health 11:58 The Bridge Back Project and Research Initiatives 17:41 The Study on PTSD and Counter Strain 23:44 Physiological Responses to Trauma 29:21 The Role of Counter Strain in Healing 35:34 Expanding Access to Counter Strain 39:19 Conclusion and Future Directions

10. 

    6 Oct 2025

    Finding Hope in Alternative Healing with Angela Skudin, Co-Founder & CEO of Casey Skudin 343 Fund

    When you’ve tried everything and the system still fails you—what’s next? In this deeply moving episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with Angela Skudin, founder and CEO of The Case Skudin 343 Fund, to explore healing beyond the conventional. Angela shares her powerful personal story of chronic illness, medical gaslighting, and finally finding relief through alternative therapies like iboga and bee venom therapy. Her journey from near collapse to mission-driven advocate is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Angela opens up about her late husband Casey—a 16-year FDNY veteran—whose legacy inspired the founding of the 343 Fund, an organization dedicated to bringing life-saving psychedelic therapies and holistic healing to first responders. From battling Morgellons disease and Lyme to investing in pre/post-journey support systems, she unpacks the reality of healing on your own terms. This is more than medicine—it’s a revolution in how we care for those who serve others. Watch the full episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast featuring Angela Skudin and host Dr. Kristin Barnes on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OfAtApyAIx8 #AlternativeFlightPlan #KristinBarnes #AngelaSkudin #343Fund #FirstResponderWellness #PsychedelicHealing #FunctionalMedicine #ChronicIllnessRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #IbogaineTherapy #VeteransSupport #WomenInWellness #PodcastEpisode #TraumaHealing #HolisticHealth 00:00 The Quest for Healing: First Responders and Alternative Medicine 02:53 Angela's Journey: From Chronic Illness to Healing 05:43 The Power of Iboga: A New Path to Recovery 08:49 Morgellons Disease: Misdiagnosis and Stigma 11:40 Neuroplasticity and Healing: The Role of Psychedelics 14:54 The 343 Fund: Supporting First Responders' Healing Journeys 17:43 Building a Supportive Community: Integration and Coaching 20:32 Sauna Therapy: Detox and Recovery for First Responders 23:52 The Future of Healing: Vision for the 343 Fund 26:40 Conclusion: A Call to Action for Support and Awareness

11. 

    15 Sept 2025

    Transformation Through Functional Medicine with Dr Sandra Scheinbaum, Founder and CEO of Functional Medicine Coaching Academy

    In this insightful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum, a pioneering clinical psychologist and founder. Together, they explore how small daily habits and mindset shifts can profoundly influence our health, emphasizing that our destiny isn’t solely determined by genetics. Dr. Sandra shares her journey from traditional psychology to integrating functional medicine, positive psychology, and mind-body techniques—empowering listeners to take control of their well-being and challenge limiting beliefs about health and aging. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sandra emphasizes the importance of education, awareness, and personalized support in navigating chronic health conditions, menopause, and even disordered eating. She discusses how coaching can serve as a powerful tool for fostering self-advocacy and resilience, especially for women over 50 who are seeking purpose, vitality, and a renewed sense of possibility. Her approach encourages a mindset shift from limitations to opportunities, inspiring listeners to embrace health at every age. Don’t miss this inspiring episode—watch the full conversation on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/dAyQVioRJRk Whether you're interested in redefining your health journey, exploring natural approaches, or learning how mindset impacts well-being, Dr. Sandra’s expertise offers valuable insights. Subscribe to The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast for more conversations that empower you to craft your own healing path. #FunctionalMedicine #MindBodyHealth #HealthAtEveryAge #WomenOver50 #TheAlternativeFlightPlan 00:00 Empowerment Through Health Coaching 02:45 The Journey to Functional Medicine 05:59 Mindfulness and Its Impact on Health 08:50 Navigating Testing in Functional Medicine 11:37 The Role of Health Coaches 14:44 Understanding Genetics and Health 17:52 The Psychology of Eating 24:43 Cultural Influences on Eating Habits 31:45 Metabolic Health and Body Image 39:40 Menopause and Empowerment

12. 

    25 Aug 2025

    The Intersection of Naturopathy and Psychedelics with Dr Erica Zelfand

    Welcome to the Alternative Flight Plan Podcast hosted by Kristin Barnes! In this enlightening episode, Kristin sits down with Dr. Erica Zelfand, a renowned naturopathic doctor from Oregon, to explore the powerful intersection between science and soul in medicine. They delve into how alternative modalities, including psychedelic medicine, can bring a deeper, more holistic approach to healing—bridging the gap between conventional and indigenous healing systems. Dr. Zelfand shares her journey from growing up in a Russian-American family to becoming a medical director involved in innovative retreats and therapies that support mind, body, and spirit. Tune in to hear how she combines her medical expertise with soulful practices to help patients reclaim their lives. You can watch the full episode on YouTube here: [https://youtu.be/GjPp6HbNvI8). In this conversation, Dr. Zelfand discusses her personal experiences with psychedelic medicines like psilocybin and ayahuasca, emphasizing their role in accessing the unseen layers of healing—such as beliefs, karma, and ancestral wounds. The episode also highlights the importance of safety, cultural differences in medicine practices, and the need for authentic integration and community support. Whether you're curious about how psychedelics can be used responsibly or how naturopathic medicine can incorporate these powerful tools, this episode offers valuable insights. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about the future of healing modalities and how we can merge science with soul to create more compassionate, effective care. #AlternativeMedicine #PsychedelicHealing #HolisticHealth #NaturopathicMedicine #SpiritualHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney 00:00 Bridging Conventional and Alternative Medicine 01:40 Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine 05:59 The Journey to Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor 09:51 Cultural Influences on Healing Practices 13:33 Understanding Naturopathy and Its Distinctions 17:19 Exploring Psychedelic Medicine 21:28 Challenges in Regulated Psychedelic Practices 25:10 Healing Retreats in Mexico 29:26 Navigating Bad Experiences with Psychedelics 33:06 The Role of Integration in Healing 37:17 Indigenous Practices vs. Western Approaches 40:58 The Importance of Holistic Assessment 44:55 The Future of Psychedelic Medicine

13. 

    11 Aug 2025

    From Military to Mindful Coaching with Dan Gurley

    In this compelling episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with Dan Gurley, a fellow Tomcat aviator and trauma-informed life coach, to explore the complex journey of healing from trauma and integrating life after military service. Dan shares his personal story of navigating childhood trauma, the impact of complex PTSD, and how he’s found purpose in coaching others through similar struggles. Their conversation dives deep into the importance of self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and learning to get out of life's messes even when it feels overwhelming. Dan reflects on his own recovery process, emphasizing that while we can't control the traumas that happen to us, we can control how we respond and what we do with those experiences. They discuss the significance of widening our window of tolerance, the role of plant medicine in healing, and the power of community and safe spaces to process difficult emotions. His story underscores that healing is not linear, but with intentional effort, it's possible to rebuild and find clarity in the chaos. Don’t miss this insightful discussion—watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/CKZJ2EVN96A Whether you’re dealing with trauma, navigating life’s challenges, or seeking a new perspective, this episode offers valuable tools and inspiration. Subscribe to The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast for more conversations that help you reframe your journey. #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealth #HealingJourney #AviationLife #TheAlternativeFlightPlan 00:00 The Journey of Healing and Integration 07:41 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 15:33 Navigating Life After Military Service 23:18 The Complexity of Personal Beliefs and Family Dynamics 31:03 Embracing Change and Acceptance 38:45 The Role of Plant Medicine in Recovery

14. 

    23 Jun 2025

    Integrating Mind and Body in HealthCare with Dr Ryan Phillips, Neurogrove

    Naturopathic doctor Dr. Ryan Phillips discusses integrative mental health, psilocybin-assisted therapy, and the role of naturopaths in transforming America's healthcare system with host Dr. Kristin Barnes in this interview.

15. 

    19 May 2025

    From Ejection to Empowerment: A Pilot's Journey with Kegan Gill

    What does it take to survive the fastest ejection in Naval aviation history—and rise again with purpose? In this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes former Navy F-18 pilot and bestselling author Kegan “Smurf” Gill. After ejecting at nearly the speed of sound, Kegan endured catastrophic injuries, a long and painful recovery, misdiagnoses, and mental health crises that pushed him to the edge. But instead of giving up, he fought to reclaim his life—and is now helping others do the same. Kegan’s story is a breathtaking look at the intersection of trauma, brain injury, psychedelics, and true resilience. He opens up about the limits of conventional medicine, the dark reality inside VA mental health facilities, and the healing power of sleep, nutrition, nature, and plant medicine. If you or someone you love is searching for hope through extreme adversity, this episode will stay with you. 📺 Watch the full episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast with Dr. Kristin Barnes and guest Kegan Gill here: https://youtu.be/I-uIBYkpQzY #TheAlternativeFlightPlan #KeganGill #PhoenixRevival #KristinBarnes #VeteranHealing #PsychedelicTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaticBrainInjury #Resilience #NaturopathicMedicine #Veterans #Iboga #Ayahuasca #PTSDRecovery #TBIHealing #PodcastClip #HealingJourney 00:00 The Unthinkable Ejection 05:48 The Psychological Battle 11:52 The Struggles of Recovery 18:09 The Dark Side of Treatment 23:51 Finding Hope in Alternative Therapies 26:13 The Harsh Reality of Mental Health Facilities 30:04 The Role of Psychedelics in Healing 36:52 Integration: Building New Habits for Recovery 44:27 Sharing the Journey: The Importance of Storytelling 48:41 Creating a New Healthcare Model for Veterans

16. 

    5 May 2025

    Functional Healing Isn't Hard: Dr Clarence (Lance) Cutsforth, Founder of Mon Sana

    In this powerful new episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes sits down with Dr. Clarence Cutsforth, founder of Mon Sana, to talk about transforming trauma, healing from addiction, and the science of functional medicine. Dr. Cutsforth shares his inspiring journey from Army veteran to leading holistic health expert, and how Mon Sana was created to support veterans, first responders, and individuals seeking true emotional and physical healing. Dr. Kristin Barnes and Dr. Clarence Cutsforth explore the connection between trauma, substance use disorder, PTSD, and how the gut-brain-heart connection plays a critical role in full-body recovery. They discuss how functional medicine, forgiveness, and community-based healing methods offer hope beyond traditional approaches—and why Mon Sana is quickly becoming a destination for those seeking lasting change. Watch the full conversation with Dr. Kristin Barnes and Dr. Clarence Cutsforth now and discover how true healing happens from within. Click here to watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ztQkWx8YtRg #AlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #KristinBarnes #ClarenceCutsforth #MonSana #FunctionalMedicine #TraumaHealing #SubstanceUseDisorder #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthMatters #HolisticHealth #HealingJourney #GutBrainConnection #Podcast 00:00 The Power of Community in Healing 02:50 Introduction to Holistic Healthcare 06:08 Understanding Substance Use Disorder 08:59 The Role of the Amygdala in Behavior 11:50 Navigating Emotional Experiences 15:10 Functional Medicine and Healing 17:52 Behavior Modification and Identity 21:06 Integrating Heart, Gut, and Mind 24:00 The Importance of Community and Connection 26:49 Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy 30:14 Nature as a Healing Force 33:02 The Journey of Healing Together

17. 

    21 Apr 2025

    Healing Our Heroes: The Power of Psychedelics with Matthew "Whiz" Buckley, CEO of No Fallen Heroes Foundation

    In the latest episode of the Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Matthew "Whiz" Buckley, CEO of No Fallen Heroes, to discuss the urgent need for alternative mental health solutions for veterans. Whiz shares his transformative experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapies, emphasizing the significant role they can play in addressing PTSD and trauma in the veteran community. Whiz highlights the challenges veterans face in accessing treatment, including stigma and bureaucratic obstacles that deter them from seeking help. He shares success stories from No Fallen Heroes, reminding listeners of the importance of community support and connection. The conversation underscores the transformative power of psychedelic therapy and the need to rethink societal attitudes toward mental health care for veterans. Tune in for this enlightening discussion on compassion, healing, and the future of veteran support. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/_EEzjWjiCtM #AlternativeFlightPlan #MentalHealth #VeteranSupport #PsychedelicTherapy #NoFallenHeroes #HealingTogether #EndVeteranSuicide #CommunityCare 00:00 The Deeper Crisis: Veterans and Mental Health 01:51 Psychedelic Therapy: A New Hope for Healing 06:09 Personal Journeys: Trauma and Transformation 11:46 The Role of Community in Healing 18:04 Challenging Stigmas: Men and Mental Health 24:11 The War on Drugs: A Failed Approach 27:56 A New Era: Veterans Leading the Charge 28:25 Transformative Journeys: Healing Through Ibogaine 32:19 Integration Challenges: The Aftermath of Healing 34:44 The Crisis of Care: Veterans and Alternative Medicine 39:30 The Role of Relationships in Healing 46:02 Navigating Change: The Impact of Medicine on Relationships 54:35 Connecting with Resources: Finding Help for Veterans

18. 

    7 Apr 2025

    The Invisible Wounds of Trauma with Dr. Jill Richards, Catalysis Acupuncture Owner & Chief Catalyst

    Can healing really happen outside the traditional medical system? On this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Jill Richards, Doctor of Acupuncture and founder of Catalysis Acupuncture in Bend, Oregon. With deep experience treating both veterans and civilians, Dr. Richards opens up about the connection between trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic health challenges—especially in patients with invisible wounds like traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this heartfelt and enlightening conversation, Dr. Richards explores how unresolved trauma—whether from combat, sexual assault, or a childhood experience—can manifest physically as pain, disrupted hormones, heart irregularities, or even loss of vision. She shares her own journey with TBI, how Feldenkrais therapy helped her become pain-free, and why acupuncture and neurosomatic intelligence have become life-changing tools in her practice. Together, she and Dr. Barnes break down how nervous system regulation is the missing piece in the healing puzzle—and why true recovery often begins outside of insurance-driven medicine. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TvwiLlOiGOg #AlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #KristinBarnes #DrJillRichards #CatalysisAcupuncture #TBIRecovery #TraumaHealing #VeteranCare #Acupuncture #NervousSystemHealth #InvisibleInjuries #FunctionalMedicine #NSI #SomaticHealing #HolisticHealth #Feldenkrais #BrainHealth 00:00 Exploring Alternative Healing Paths 03:04 Understanding Trauma and Its Manifestations 05:52 The Role of Neurosomatic Intelligence 09:10 Trauma and the Nervous System 11:56 The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury 14:47 Acupuncture and Its Efficacy 18:08 Veteran Care and Community Support 20:54 Research and Future Directions 24:12 Personal Healing Journeys 27:02 Concluding Thoughts on Healing and Support

19. 

    10 Mar 2025

    The Intersection of Conventional & Alternative Medicine w/ Dr. Brianna Cardenas, Healed & Empowered

    In the very first episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin "Rosie" Barnes takes off on a transformative conversation with Dr. Brianna Cardenas, a Physician Assistant and complex illness specialist. Dr. Cardenas shares her powerful journey through nearly two decades of personal health struggles, her challenges with the medical system, and how she now helps others heal using a blend of conventional and alternative medicine. Dr. Barnes, a retired Navy F-14 Tomcat pilot turned naturopathic doctor, brings her aviation leadership mindset into healthcare, aiming to create meaningful change in how patients receive care. Together, they dive deep into the limitations of traditional healthcare, the need for patient-centered treatment, and how fascial counterstrain therapy and integrative medicine have reshaped their own paths to healing.Ready to explore a new flight path in medicine? Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ZPD0I4aJIYc #AlternativeFlightPlanPodcast #DrKristinBarnes #DrBriannaCardenas #IntegrativeMedicine #PatientCenteredCare #ComplexIllness #FascialCounterstrain #MedicalInnovation #HealthcareTransformation #AlternativeMedicine 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Challenges 02:46 Navigating Complex Illnesses 05:57 The Limitations of Conventional Medicine 08:47 Personal Experiences with Healthcare 12:03 The Cash-Based Healthcare Model 14:52 Innovative Treatment Approaches 17:55 The Role of Alternative Medicine 20:48 The Importance of Patient-Centered Care 24:10 Overcoming Healthcare Barriers 27:01 The Journey from Disability to Empowerment 29:54 Integrating Conventional and Alternative Medicine 33:06 The Power of Fascial Counterstrain 35:56 Reframing Medical Language 38:48 Educating Future Healthcare Providers 41:59 Conclusion and Resources

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

15,968

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

7

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

32

Contact The Alternative Flight Plan

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.